Thought that was as good a debut as connections could have hoped for. Beat two decent horses comfortably, and looked like the further he went, the better. Agree with G1 Mac's comment about him being clever. Got in close a couple of times and didnt look as fluent a jumper as SC, yet it still didnt matter. Had a knack for getting over the obstacles without really doing himself any harm, even when not perfect at them.

I'll be very surprised if they go for the Arkle myself. I've always been a big AP backer, but its getting harder and harder now, especially in the novice chasing division, so I'll be leaving well alone.

Cant wait to see Spirit Son out.... could be some really good races amonst this lot this season.

SS looks too small to go over fences...

Arkle the correct race. You need one who gets further than the 2 and CC certainly will

Mind you FFT,i can see why you say that as a fair few winners of the race of late have stayed further.I just feel that as long as a horse truly stays 2m i would be ok in backing the horse as opposed to a horse that i know stays further but imo is not as quick.
Thats what i feel about Cue Card,not quick enough for 2m at the top level.

Howdi,you stalking me?
[:(]

gotta laugh at the bookies

Cue Card beats an unfit horse

Cut from 20s to 10s

and trainer says may not go there.

i wouldnt  be worried,that was a good pipe opener.

i wouldnt worry either,i aint backing him,so he can run where he likes.
I will say though,that if he lines up in the Arkle i will be very surprised.

Are they the type to stick their noses up at the new race? If not it woul dbe prefect for him.

Me also... although i think his jumping will stand the test at any distance... a hell of a lot better than First Lieutenant in my eyes.

I think people can just be a bit quick to throw around comments without giving them too much thought. However, there is merit in it imo- the Arkle is run like no other novice chase throughout the season such is the blazing speed they will go off at. While the speedier types will have little problem with the pace there could be a question of whether there is anything left with 2 to jump, having been forced to cruise at a speed above what they have been cruising at in prior races. Combined with the undulations of the course taking an extra toll on stamina and the uphill finish, you need to be more than scraping to get the 2miles, a la Starluck.

All imo, of course.

True, but there seems to be a school of thought that says a horse must have won (or at least run a good race) over 18/19/20f in order to be a viable Arkle contender. It doesn't seem to be borne out by the facts, at least recently.

Sure it must "thoroughly stay" but that's the same in any big Festival race. A Gold Cup horse doesn't need to have proved itself over 3m 4/5/6f before people start to believe in it. Nor a Champion Hurdler over 2m 2/3/4f.

Just think the Arkle assumption is unfounded.

Sizing Europe was more speed though

Cant believe Sacre is 10/1 for the Arkle tbh.

even after all those chases hes already won?

laid FL as previously stated

Especially not with Tizzard training him. He changed his mind about targets every few weeks last season.

Cheers mate

Michael Phipps boosted the form today by winning at Ascot.

So far so good Cue Card fans...decent enough performance from Michael Phipps yesterday; fantastic jump at the last to buy himself a length when he needed it! I'll always take Ascot form with a pinch of salt, but was impressed enough to continue to believe Tizzard's lad could be something a bit special! :)